Long distance swap!

Yesterday after picking the kids up from Pre-K, I saw something in the crack of my front door. Immediately I recognized it was a USPS receipt.  My heart sank when I saw that I had missed delivery of a 'parcel'.  So I paid Lily 25 cents to watch out her window for the little blue & white truck.  I know Mike's route like the back of my hand, & in about 30 minutes he'd be heading down the opposite side of the street.  I figured when I got the signal from my spotter, I'd dart out the door & throw myself in front of his truck.

Thankfully, Mike saw the international postage & had mercy on me.  He made a special trip back, saving me from injury & social humiliation.

You see, I've been expecting something from a friend far away.  We've been planning this swap for a couple of months, she even threw me a little bone on her last post!

I carefully began to unwrap each layer, stopping occasionally to take pictures, & squeal.

The first thing I uncovered was THE most amazing fabric collage ever.  I wish my sad photo could really do it justice.  I didn't shrink this image, so if you click on it you should be able to see the details. 

And the back looks like an old fishman's sweater from the Baltic Sea.

Oh, I love it so much!!!

A close up shot.

After I wiped the drool up off the table... I opened this bag, very, very carefully. 

Wonderful smooth, brown sea glass.  I'm seeing some sort of collage or assemblage combining these, with the seaweed Dorthe sent from Denmark.

I was blown away by the care & creativity that went into each gorgeous package.

Can you believe the crustiness of this buckle? It looks like it came from an old ship wreck or something.

How special is this tag? Linen, music & my name stamped on muslin. This would be a great name tag for my big teaching gig!

More treasures, each with her special mark.

I tried using Altavista to translate, but came up with zip. 

What awesome treasures to create with!

Special numbers & some of her tiny ribbon flowers, made just for me!

I have every yummy gift displayed on my art table, even the little bags, & the stamps from the parcel.  Boy, this beautiful friend really knows me, & spoiled me bad!  Each & every treasure makes me smile, & that rich shade of umber will always remind me of Julia!

Vintage with Laces!!

I just hope she loves her gift as much as I love mine. Thank you Julia!